Malaga owner backtracks on criticism

By Steve Norman

After losing heavily to Valencia at the weekend, the Qatari behind the club's recent success has insisted he has confidence in the side despite his prior negative comments

Malaga owner Sheikh Abdullah Al-Thani has insisted that he backs the current coach Manuel Pellegrini and his squad after previously slamming his side following their 5-1 defeat to Valencia on Saturday.

The Champions League quarter finalists lost 5-1 to Los Che, a result that dropped them to sixth and, at the time, Al-Thani claimed the team were "playing without heart."

However, the Qatari has backtracked on his criticism and stressed that he backs the coach and is certain that they will consign the poor result into the past.

"I am confident in the coaching staff, led by Mr. Manuel Pellegrini, and all the players," he said via his Twitter account.

"I'm sure the players will let this matter pass quickly and, last but not least, all my support for the team in all cases."

Malaga’s chances of playing in any European competition next season is under threat after being banned for ‘financial irregularities’, a decision that is being appealed by the club.

Earlier in April, Al-Thani criticised Uefa after his club’s exit from the Champions League at the quarter-final stage to Borussia Dortmund and accused the European football organisation of racism.